Saints face Bucharest test

Southampton were handed the toughest task of the British sides in today's UEFA Cup draw when they were paired against Steaua Bucharest in the first round.

The Saints - back in Europe after a 19-year absence - will face the former European Cup holders from Romania.

Southampton chairman Rupert Lowe said: "They should be two good games and we hope we can win it. It does not have the reputation of the Champions League in terms of revenue but it is a privilege to be in European football and we will do our best."

Blackburn, as the only British side drawn away in the first leg, have a trip to Ankara in Turkey to face Gencleberligi. That match will be less than three weeks before England go to Istanbul to face Turkey in a Euro 2004 qualifier.

Despite crowd trouble between English and Turkish fans when the national teams met in Sunderland earlier this year, Rovers manager Graeme Souness is not expecting problems at his club's game.

He said: "I can only speak from my experience and the people are similar to ourselves - they love their football and are passionate

"They are warm friendly people. People might think I am talking nonsense there but that is my personal experience."

Liverpool will face Slovenian outfit Olimpija Ljubljana, who knocked out Ireland's Shelbourne in the qualifying round. It will be the club's first game in Slovenia and chief executive Rick Parry said: "It's something of a journey into the unknown but at least we can find the city on the map."

Newcastle, in the competition after losing to Partizan Belgrade in their Champion League qualifier, will play NAC Breda of Holland.

Manchester City were paired with Lokeren of Belgium.

Dundee face Italy's Perugia, who this summer signed midfielder Saadi Gaddafi, the son of the Libyan president Colonel Muammar Gaddafi.

Hearts will face NK Zeljeznicar of Bosnia. The first legs are due to take place on Wedenesday 24 September with the return games on Wednesday 15 October.